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  • Portola Valley, California

    Portola Valley in California is a top destination for outdoor adventures. The Windy Hill Open Space Preserve offers the best trails for hiking. Its scenic beauty includes grasslands, forests, and a stunning view of the entire San Francisco Peninsula. The Spring Ridge Trail, a moderate 7.2-mile loop, is a must-visit. It offers a panoramic view of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. For a more challenging hike, the Razorback Ridge Trail is a steep 2.6-mile trek with views of Portola Valley and the surrounding hills. It's perfect for those looking for a physical challenge amid beautiful natural surroundings. Near Portola Valley, the Coal Creek Open Space Preserve offers more trails, creeks, and wildlife sightings. These are just a few examples of the best trails and outdoor activities available in and near Portola Valley.

    Top Spots in and near Portola Valley

    • Portola Valley, California

      Hike the Windy Hill Loop

      4.3
      7.2 mi / 1400 ft gain
      This 7.2-mile loop starts by heading out of the parking lot and onto the Spring Ridge Trail. Head Southeast On Spring Ridge Trail until you connect with Hamms Gulch Trail. When you jump on Hamms Gulch, head southwest for ~3.4 miles as you circle the far end of the OSP. At this point, you will con...
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    • Portola Valley, California

      Sunrise Hike at Windy Hill

      5.0
      There are a few options to this hike. Usually I would recommend parking in the lot on Portola Road, but because the preserve doesn't open until 30 minutes before sunrise, it's best to park up on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35). There are two places to park up on Skyline, but the main parking lot i...
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    • Woodside, California

      Hike through Wunderlich County Park

      5.0
      4.5 mi / 1400 ft gain
      Located in the iconic Silicon Valley town of Woodside, Wunderlich County Park offers a number of hiking trails as well as some horseback riding trails through the wilderness.  Once in the parking lot, you will see a number of stables, riding ring, as well as a beautiful historic stable that was o...
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    • Palo Alto, California

      Hike the Arastradero Preserve Loop

      3.0
      4.5 mi / 600 ft gain
      Getting There: From Hwy 280, take the Page Mill Road exit and head West on Page Mill Road, away from Downtown Palo Alto (if you're taking 101, exit on Oregon Expressway). Then turn right on Arastradero Road. There will be a small sign indicating the dirt parking lot on the eastern side of the str...
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    • Los Altos, California

      Park Day at Foothills Park

      1.7
      Disclaimer: Foothills Park requires proof of residence in Palo Alto or being accompanied by a resident of the city. Learn more here.Foothills Park is 2.7 miles west of 280 after exiting Page Mill. After exiting you take a short scenic drive up the hill and come to the park entrance on your right...
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    • Redwood City, California

      Hike or Bike the Old Growth Redwood Loop at El Corte de Madera

      4.4
      8.8 mi / 1900 ft gain
      This hike starts at the middle parking lot of the El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. The middle lot is located roughly a mile south on Skyline Boulevard from the Skeggs Point Vista. From the parking lot, take the Methuselah Trail for 0.3 miles until you reach the Timberview Trail. Take this ...
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    • Stanford, California

      Stanford Dish Loop

      4.4
      3.67 mi / 472 ft gain
      If you live in the Palo Alto area and are looking for a place to hike or run, The Dish is a close, and great way to get that exercise. Located right on the corner of Stanford Ave and Junipero Serra, you'll see that small gated entrance right when you drive on by. As far as parking goes, you're le...
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    • Stanford, California

      Sunset Picnic at Kite Hill

      4.0
      Kite Hill is nothing more than what the name describes. A simple ascent less than 100 feet in elevation. But that 100 feet is all you need to feel like you discovered a little escape from the buzz below.To get there, you can park directly at the base of Kite Hill along Peter Coutts Rd and simply ...
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    • Redwood City, California

      Hike the Crystal Springs Trail Loop

      5.6 mi / 1300 ft gain
      This is a great hike for any season of the year, with rushing streams during the winter, wildflowers in the spring, and cool, shaded canyons during the summer. Starting from near the Zwierlein Picnic area, take the Crystal Springs to the left into the redwood forest. Stay straight at the next tra...
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    • Los Altos, California

      Hike the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Loop

      4.5
      2.9 mi / 600 ft gain
      This hike is best done in the late fall, winter, and spring so that the creek is running and the hills are green. Starting at the preserve parking lot, the first half of the hike is predominantly downhill. At the main trailhead, start in the direction of the Stevens Creek Nature Trail, as told by...
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    • Los Altos, California

      Hike to Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon

      4.0
      6 mi / 950 ft gain
      This hike can be done during any season, but for the creek to be running and for more comfortable temperatures, it is best to go on a cool winter or spring day. Starting at the preserve parking lot, take the Stevens Creek nature trail, allowing you to witness spectacular views of a large, foreste...
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    • Redwood City, California

      Hike Russian Ridge

      4.5
      4 mi
      Russian Ridge offers a great place to jump on the trail and in the right season, see some of the best wildflowers blooming. On top of that, you get access to amazing views from the ridge. Once you hit your parking space, add a little extra warm up before jumping on the trail to make this 3.7-mil...
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    • Redwood City, California

      Hike the Methuselah and El Corte De Madera Creek Loop

      6.2 mi / 1800 ft gain
      This loop hike will provide people with the opportunity to experience the tranquility of the lower canyons of the preserve, which tend to be more isolated than the heavier-trafficked trails that are closer to the main highway. Be warned that this hike is fairly strenuous because of the large amou...
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    • Santa Clara County, California

      Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail

      9.75 mi / 2992 ft gain
      Just outside of Los Altos is a very long ridge of mountains, one of which is Black Mountain.  This is a very dry hike, with no tree canopy, so it can get very hot! Be aware that this can make the hike feel a lot more difficult with the sun beating down on you. Follow Rhus Ridge Trail to Black Mo...
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    • La Honda, California

      Mountain Bike Skyline Ridge Preserve

      4.0
      3.5 mi / 313 ft gain
      There are a bunch of beginner to intermediate mountain biking trails at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve (click here for a trail map).  There are some beginner mountain biking classes that come here to learn. You can find specific trails that match your ability at MTB Project.   There is a Chris...
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    • La Honda, California

      Hike the Brook Trail Loop

      7.1 mi / 1500 ft gain
      The Brook Trail Loop is a beautiful hike, starting off in Sam McDonald County Park and later entering into Pescadero Creek County Park. This adventure can be done in any season, with the trails almost entirely shaded for even the hottest summer days. Starting off from the Heritage Grove trailhead...
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    Camping and Lodging in Portola Valley

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